The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Tragedy just makes it work harder for men’s mental health

August 10, 2017

Australian charity, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, has doubled its commitment to funding men’s mental health programs. Sadly because of a death “in the family”.

One of its volunteer event hosts took his own life last year.

In Australia, suicide rates in Australia are three times higher than that of women. As a result, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is on a mission to raise awareness globally, in its crusade to make life better for men everywhere.

In partnership with the Movember Foundation, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will continue to commit 80% of total funds raised to prostate cancer research. The remainder will now go towards men’s mental health programs.

On Sunday September 24, more than 70,000 dapper men and women in over 600 cities worldwide will ride classic and vintage styled motorcycles on Sunday, September 24. In streets across the world – including Sydney, Paris, New York and London – they will raise awareness – and hopefully the funds needed – to solve some of the problems that cause men to die.

“It’s an important year for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. What was already a personal event for many has taken on a new meaning, especially after losing one of our own. We ride this year for the men of the world who struggle with mental health and for the families and individuals whose lives are affected by prostate cancer,” stated DGR founder, Mark Hawwa.

Founded in Sydney in 2012, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has raised over US$8M for charity since 2013. This year, it aims to raise US$5,000,000 and is encouraging their fellow Australians to take a moment to consider their fathers, brothers, and sons.

The first ride in 2012 brought together more than 2,500 riders in 64 cities. In 2013, with its new impetus to raise money for men’s prostate cancer, over 11,000 participated in 145 cities. US$277,000 was raised.

Last year, more than 56,000 participants in 505 cities in 90 countries raised over US$3.6M (USD) for prostate cancer research & men’s mental health programs in partnership with the Movember Foundation.

Hawwa commented, “The past 5 years have seen The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride grow far more than I ever could have imagined – not only in its reach and the number of participants of the ride itself but in people that have made that decision to get themselves checked. Working with the Movember Foundation has allowed us to target key concerns in men’s health, helping us change the lives of men and helping them to live longer and happier.

“None of this would be made possible if not for the support and unity of Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches. The collective passion of all these brilliant organisations is the fuel for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, empowering all classic and custom motorcycle riders to bond together and put on the most dashing charity event this world has ever seen.”